Clues, tool, and instructions for each stage are of utmost importance for potential reward.
The key information is based on folklore about an early settler by the name of Bill Ivey. Ivey brought with him three daughters, and a secret Treasure. He often referred to the young flower-toting girls as today’s treasure; and the ugly container as the treasure for tomorrow’s success. Shortly after arriving to the area, it became evident that today’s treasure would not be safe if together with tomorrow’s and still in his possession. He kept the present, and deposited the future in hopes of benefiting our confederation. He was a baker whose pride in offspring proved no man worthy. While engaged in the task of warding off suitors, the existence of our national treasure was virtually ignored.
Shortly after arriving to the area, the widower lost yet another blossom of his family tree, and by his account, “refuse[d] to set root again”. In due course, two young men won the hearts of his daughters, and conquered Ivey’s doubt of worth. His new joy became telling stories of family importance in history to his grandchildren. Occasionally, bits and pieces of his story drifted into their ears in a stifled whisper that was sternly halted as tall fibs by both adult daughters. Some of these senile stories mocked stories of his great grandfather and other Freemasons who settled in the new land.
The miscellany of the treasure’s subsistence is bond by rumor and clues propagated by Ivey’s descendants. Even they don't know the real location of the treasure, and all doubt its validity to some extent. Successful archeological historical investigative preservers need to research local history. Picture what is ignored by the masses. Lucrative investigation must occur within the hours of 10 and 4 on Saturdays.
With this new information, you must not ignore that of the Ivey’s. With the light is just right, you will see the invisible. Do not communicate with strangers about the coordinates and instructions. Such information is only for those who know how to defend and exploit what is otherwise at everyone’s fingertips.
Continue following leads to answer questions. You'll need the answer to calculate the coordinates to this National Treasure Cache. Deduct your findings from each of the following coordinates ignoring the decimal points: N37 44.425 and W121 06.881
Example: If your answer was 1234, take N3744425 - 1234 = N3743191 and W12106881 - 1234 = W12105647 [which yields N37 43.191, W121 05.647].
Treasure hunting seldom has rules. Information comes from different sources and some questions have yet to be answered. This exploit should be preformed with the dignity and stealth of any Geocache. The average individual cannot be privy to what you know so be especially careful at key locations.
Ivey called the future treasure his gallon of preserves. It rumors a full bounty. There are many other nice trade items as one would expect from a National Treasure. Please post your trades so everyone can see the treasure is real (and so we can maintain it's valuables if needed). If you bring no trades, feel free to take a gold nugget!
Note: Packing for success? Read and understand the Second Stage Spoiler. I may be able to help folks if they just know what to ask me for. You can also contact me for special help and nudging in the right directions.
One last point: This cache is properly rated for its difficulty. If you're interested in assembling Finds for infamy, this cache is that of insignificance. However, the glory of adventure and challenge may be attainable.